Rapper T.I. Says Homosexuals are ‘Not American,' 'Too Sensitive'

Rapper T.I. recently made comments against some members of the homosexual community in an interview with Vibe magazine. Photo: REUTERS

Rapper T.I. recently made controversial comments against some members of the homosexual community in an interview with Vibe magazine.

During the interview, T.I. discussed the issues of gay rights. The rapper supposedly supports this cause as Vibe states he makes clear that he supports anyone's sexual preference.

But then he mentioned the controversy of Tracy Morgan's comedy routine aimed at homosexuals, which included a joke about killing his son if he ever came out.

Man, I will say this, the funniest joke I ever heard Tracy say during a stand-up was, 'C'mon man, I think gay people are too sensitive. If you can take a d---, you can take a joke.' [Cracks up laughing.] That s--- was funny to me. And it's kind of true.

T.I. then proceeded to discuss how the gay community is too sensitive. He even mentioned the First Amendment as support for his argument.

They're like, 'If you have an opinion against us, we're gonna shut you down.' ... That's not American. If you're gay you should have the right to be gay in peace, and if you're against it you should have the right to be against it in peace.

The LGBTQ Nation spoke out against T.I.'s comments, stating that violence against gay children is not funny.

Alvin McEwen of LGBTQ Nation writes that T.I.'s generalized comments reveal his true ignorance. And he emphasizes that homophobic comments are not shielded by First Amendment rights. Individuals who speak in such vulgarities, according to McEwen, must face the consequences.

For us to register any disagreement to vulgar, homophobic comments is tantamount to shutting someone down or interfering with their First Amendment rights, said McEwen.

Free speech does not mean you get shielded from the consequences of opening your mouth. If you say things about groups of people which are deemed offensive, you should expect some blow back.

He then adds the pervasive problem of continued violence and abuse against the homosexual community.

T.I.'s claim that he believes 'gays should live in peace' is weak in light of the fact that he thinks it's hilarious to make fun of a real problem which in fact does prevent gays from living in peace. Gay children are often threatened with violence in their homes, he wrote.

Worse yet, many get thrown out in the streets where they are left to fend for themselves and become victims of bad behaviors and those who prey on the weak and innocent.

There has been a slew of bullying and violence against homosexual youth, which has prompted suicides around the nation.

One such individual was Jamey Rodemeyer, who committed suicide after his classmates taunted him endlessly online.

Actor Zachary Quinto was inspired by this tragic tale to come out as a homosexual male.

In light of Jamey's death, it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality, Quinto wrote in a blog post on his Web site.

I believe in the power of intention to change the landscape of our society, and it is my intention to live an authentic life of compassion and integrity and action, he wrote. Jamey Rodemeyer's life changed mine. And while his death only makes me wish that I had done this sooner, I am eternally grateful to him for being the catalyst for change within me. Now I can only hope to serve as the same catalyst for even one other person in this world.